Martin Bridge at Taree is closed to all traffic, including emergency services, and will remain closed for some time.
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MidCoast advised today (Sunday) that it will be a decision of the Roads and Maritime Services as to when the bridge will open.
Yesterday footage appeared on social media of shipping container and a large tank slamming into the bridge.
The bridge is the main access point for Taree.
Council advised that the Dawson River Bridge is now open to all traffic, which allows direct access between Taree and Cundletown however there is still no access north or south on the highway from Cundletown.
Manning Great Lakes Police District reports that as a result of a reduction in road quality, Gloucester Road, between Boundary Flat Road and Dollys Flat Road, Wingham has been closed.
The Bucketts Way between Gloucester and Stroud has been closed as a result of a large amount of debris being strewn along the roadway.
Google Maps error
Police advise information has been received that Google Maps was diverting traffic wishing to travel from south of Taree to Sydney or north of Taree to the Gold Coast, via Wingham and Lansdowne as a result of the Pacific Highway currently being closed.
Police have warned travelled this is not an appropriate route as it takes vehicles through severely flood affected areas.
Motorists have been asked as a matter of safety, to postpone all non essential travel.
MidCoast Flood Update 10am Sunday, March 21.
A severe weather warning is in place for the Mid Coast region for heavy rainfall and damaging winds. Please follow the NSW SES Taree City Unit and Mid North Coast NSW SES for all information and updates.
A disaster declaration has been announced for the MidCoast Council area. To find out information on personal hardship and distress assistance contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.
To apply for a concessional loan or grant contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au
Further information on disaster assistance is also available on disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au
Properties, business and roads continue to be flooded across the region with many towns and villages isolated.
To stay up to date with road closures, please go to My Road Info https://midnorthcoast.myroadinfo.com.au/overview.asp and be aware that localised flooding will impact on local roads intermittently and may not be reflected on myroadinfo.
If you require assistance call the NSW SES on 132 500.
Only travel if you absolutely need to, now is not the time to be driving around unnecessarily. Follow all signage in place, drive to conditions and remember, if it's flooded FORGET IT!
Thank you to everyone who answered the call yesterday for bedding and supplies at our evacuation centres.
Evacuation Centres are located across the region at:
#OldBar - Club Old Bar
#ManningPoint - Manning Point Bowling Club
#Taree - Club Taree
#Wingham - Wingham Golf Club
#Harrington - Club Harrington
#Cundletown - Manning Valley Anglican College
#Bulahdelah - Bulahdelah Central School
Official evacuation centres are established and operated by the Department of Family and Community Services. The isolation of some areas makes this extremely difficult - however there are some self-managed evacuation centres across the region that we are learning about including the #Gloucester Soldiers Club, #Coopernook Uniting Church and #Moorland Hall. Thank you to everyone volunteering at these sites.
For animals - Taree saleyards is open for emergency stock relocation - there are a number of paddocks operating and some reserves of hay, thanks to Local Land Services.
#HallidaysPoint locals please be aware the weather has caused significant damage through the #BlackHead Road project site.
Crews have made the area as safe as possible but given the continued wet weather the site will be subject to severe potholes until the weather clears and permanent repairs can be done.
Please avoid the area if at all possible, slow down and drive to the conditions.
Our SES, Emergency and Council crews are stretched to their limits.
Again, please take care on our roads - do not travel unnecessarily - and don't ever enter flood waters.
Please be patient, there are a range of emergency services working together to keep this information updated, however things change quickly.